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Design
Objective: To design a machine to transport a man between narrow vine rows for pruning and grape picking operations on a new vineyard in Italy with the added capability to climb 30 percent grades. Solution: A diesel powered
tracked vehicle that is compact, fuel efficient, and
versatile for the task at hand. |
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The initial
powerplant prototype was simply a steel frame with steel
tracks, a small transmission, and a 4 HP diesel engine. |
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The design
process spanned 3 designs and prototypes, and resulted in
a 25" wide crawler, with rubber tracks, Electric
start 10 HP Diesel engine, hydraulic wheel motors and
steering, hands free operation (steering and power
controls are foot and knee operated), and an aluminum oil
tank to minimize oil operating temperature Here it is climbing a 27 degree grade at the start of the testing phase with it's hood and cover removed. |
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